The UK Home Office has announced an updated list of approved English Tests — Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) — for visa and citizenship applications.
This revision, which introduces new test options and streamlined guidelines, is said to simplify the process for applicants across the globe.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that SELT is a mandatory requirement for various visa categories and UK citizenship applications.
The change in the approved English Tests was announced on the official UK Government website.
According to the UK Home Office, the current LANGUAGECERT ESOL SELT 4-skills test will be replaced by two new versions:
“If you’ve already taken the old ESOL SELT test, your test results will remain valid for two years from the date of issue. Additionally, any vouchers purchased for the test can still be used for up to 12 months,” they said.
Depending on the visa type, applicants must either take a full 4-skills test (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) or a speaking and listening-only test.
Applicants needing a full 4-skills test include:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Health and Care Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Start-up / Innovator Founder Visa
- Scale-up Worker Visa
- High-Potential Individual Visa
- Minister of Religion Visa
- Temporary Work (International Agreement route)
Applicants needing speaking and listening only include:
- UK Citizenship
- Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Partner / Parent Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Representative of an Overseas Business
The UK Home Office also confirmed its ongoing recognition of SELTs from various trusted providers. They emphasize the importance for applicants to take their SELT at an approved English Tests centre listed by the Home Office and also remind them that the test should be completed within two years of submitting their application.
The approved providers are:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (Skills for English UKVI)
- LANGUAGECERT
Test locations and booking process in the UK:
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
Outside the UK, available test providers are:
- Pearson
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- PSI Services (UKVI)
- LANGUAGECERT
Accepted ID Documents for the SELT Test
- Passport – Most commonly used ID document
- UK BRP or BRC – For residents in the United Kingdom
- EEA National ID – Accepted if applicable to the applicant
- Government-issued photo ID – Accepted for tests taken outside the UK
